Halloween is on a Friday in 2025, which means there will be plenty of parties full of vampires, werewolves, ghosts and other monsters dancing the night away.
But if you’re the host of a party, you want to make sure the music fits the theme and is giving spooky vibes.
While Bobby Pickett’s “Monster Mash” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” are well known, playing other eerie tracks will be fun. We put together 20 songs to add to your Halloween playlist for your party. Check out the playlist at bit.ly/CTHalloweenPlaylist.
‘Abracadabra’ by Lady Gaga
Why to play it: It’s a great song to dance to, especially for those who know the choreography from the music video.
Standout lyric: “With a haunting dance, now you’re both in a trance. It’s time to cast your spell on the night.”
Lady Gaga perform sat The MAYHEM Ball at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 16.
‘Bury a Friend’ by Billie Eilish
Why to play it: The song may not be one to dance to, but it is nice ambient music to play while people mingle.
Standout lyric: “Why aren’t you scared of me? Why do you care for me? When we all fall asleep, where do we go?”
‘Cannibal’ by Kesha
Why to play it: A fun song to dance while munching on some Halloween-themed food, like cookie fingers or peeled grapes.
Standout lyric: “Whenever you tell me I’m pretty, that’s when the hunger really hits me. Your little heart goes pitter-patter. I want your liver on a platter.”
‘Carousel’ by Melanie Martinez
Why to play it: It’s a good break from fast-paced songs to unwind and enjoy some conversation with your friends on your costume choices.
Standout lyric: “’Round and ’round like a horse on a carousel we go. Will I catch up to love? I could never tell.”
‘Decode’ by Paramore
Why to play it: Two words — vampires and baseball. Enough said.
Standout lyric: “The truth is hiding in your eyes and it’s hanging on your tongue, just boiling in my blood.”
‘Demons’ by Doja Cat
Why to play it: While this is a fast-paced song, it’s not exactly one to dance to easily. But it still fits the Halloween theme with the eerie production. This song is explicit.
Standout lyric: “How my demons look now that my pockets full?”
Doja Cat performs onstage during YouTube Brandcast 2023 at David Geffen Hall in New York City on May 17, 2023.
‘Disturbia’ by Rihanna
Why to play it: The song, a great throwback to almost 20 years ago, is known for its dark tone.
Standout lyric: “It’s a thief in the night to come and grab you. It can creep up inside you and consume you. A disease of the mind, it can control you.”
‘Double Bubble Trouble’ by M.I.A.
Why to play it: The slowed-down beats make this a great song for couples to dance to while sipping on some monster-like drinks.
Standout lyric: “Uh-oh, you’re in trouble. I step up in the game and I burst that bubble.”
‘Haunted Heart’ by Christina Aguilera
Why to play it: This is another good song to allow people to catch their breath from dancing while swaying to Christina Aguilera’s haunting voice.
Standout lyric: “Watch your step when you walk to me. Careful where your heart treads. Suddenly, you’ll be in too deep. You’ll be caught up in my web.”
‘Heads Will Roll’ by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Why to play it: With the pulsing beat and decapitation-themed lyrics, this song will set the mood for an energetic dance moment.
Standout lyric: “Off, off, off with your head. Dance, dance, dance till you’re dead.”
‘Helena’ by My Chemical Romance
Why to play it: If you have any millennials at your party, chances are they will run to the dance floor and reenact their “emo” days from 2004.
Standout lyric: “What’s the worst that I can say? Things are better if I stay. So long and goodnight.”
Musician Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance performs at KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas at Universal Amphitheater in in Universal City, California, on Dec. 12, 2004.
‘I’m in Love with a Monster’ by Fifth Harmony
Why to play it: If you have little ones at the party, this is a great, funky song to play for them before sending them to bed.
Standout lyric: “He’s tryin’ it on, and he’s ticking me off. Say what you want, but I won’t ever be told — I’m in love with a monster.”
‘Metro’ by The Vincent Black Shadow
Why to play it: This garage-y sound gives a punk rock rhythm to make your guests dance the night away. This song is explicit.
Standout lyric: “Something’s closing in and I can’t do a thing. No, I can’t do a thing but wonder.”
‘Operate’ by Peaches
Why to play it: People may recognize this song from a Halloween party scene in the 2004 film “Mean Girls.” So put on your mouse ears and partygoers will be calling you “fetch” and “grool” all night.
Standout lyric: “He’s not dead, he’s going to live. I see his eyes rolling back in his head.”
‘Plague’ by Crystal Castles
Why to play it: The slow buildup of the song may make your guests confused as to why this song is on your playlist, but when the dark beats drop, they will be giving apocalyptic energy on the dance floor (or your living room area).
Standout lyric: “Never thought I was the enemy. I am the plague.”
‘Scary’ by Britney Spears
Why to play it: This hypnotic dance track is great to liven up the party while still being scary and dark.
Standout lyric: “I’m not supposed to want you, but I do, like I’d die. It’s turned me into a monster, like I’m Jekyll and Hyde.”
‘Scary’ by Megan Thee Stallion and Rico Nasty
Why to play it: With Megan and Rico on the beat, this modern banger is great if you’re looking for a fierce party vibe. This song is explicit.
Standout lyric: “When I pop out, it get scary like a cemetery. I’m fresh to death, I need a hearse when I go shoppin’.”
Megan Thee Stallion performs at Coachella Stage during the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, on April 20, 2025.
‘Tear You Apart’ by She Wants Revenge
Why to play it: This song has a heavy bass line and a driving dance beat that will make your guests either sway and sing along or dance like they’re tearing each other apart. This song is explicit.
Standout lyric: “But the slip turns to terror and a crush to like. Then she walked in, he froze up, believe it’s the fright.”
‘Terrified’ by Childish Gambino
Why to play it: With haunting lyrics like “I’m going to eat you alive” and “haunt you to your grave,” this slowed-down track is great to play while people get refills and get their second wind. This song is explicit.
Standout lyric: “Please don’t find me rude, but I don’t eat fast food. So, don’t run to me, baby.”
‘Toxic’ by Local H
Why to play it: You might be thinking, “Why not Britney Spears’ version?” Well, this cover is perfect for a Halloween party because it strips away the pop music and replaces it with a raw rock sound that makes you want to head-bang while dancing.
Standout lyric: “With the taste of a poison paradise, I’m addicted to you but you know that you’re toxic.”
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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: 20 creepy songs to add to your Halloween party playlist